Go Beyond Coffee and Cocktails in This Pacific Northwestern City
More than just the birthplace of Starbucks, the city of Seattle is a bustling metropolis full of fresh seafood, historic hotels, trendy shops and innovative restaurants. It has sultry cocktail bars for sipping, sports teams if you feel like cheering and all kinds of famous art displays and galleries. And while you could spend your time at big attractions like the Space Needle or the original Starbucks roastery, we’re here to paint this northern city in a new light. Come with us as we reveal the hidden gems of the Emerald City in just 24 hours.
Check-in at The Edgewater Hotel
A waterfront icon drenched in history, The Edgewater Hotel is a must-stay during your trip to Seattle. This hideaway on Pier 67 boasts stunning views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains and the sparkling city. Once a haven for musical superstars like the Beatles, the Foo Fighters and Pearl Jam, The Edgewater is both classic and nostalgic—a true ode to the charm of the Pacific Northwest.
The lobby, with its antler decor, cobblestone walls and roaring fireplace, is a dream come true for anyone who digs a rustic, lodge-like vibe. Upon check-in, guests can take advantage of complimentary rentals like guitars, sheet music and record players. As for the rooms, there are city-view and water-view accommodations, which both have cozy fireplaces—some even have balconies with adirondack chairs. After enjoying a glass of sparkling wine with a view of the bay, head downstairs to Six Seven Restaurant, the hotel’s signature dining experience. This award-winning eatery boasts a menu of seasonally inspired cuisine and a wine list that highlights the finest wineries in Washington, Oregon and Northern California.
Drag Brunch at Dreamland Bar & Diner
For another blast to the past, rise, shine and head to Dreamland Bar & Diner to experience Seattle’s most decadent drag brunch. This whimsical diner sits in the city’s funky Fremont neighborhood, just a quick 15-minute car ride from The Edgewater Hotel. Step inside this hideaway and you’ll find all kinds of eccentric details, like technicolor murals, disco balls, laser lights and a layered crystal chandelier that hangs like an upside-down wedding cake. The decor is eye-catching to say the least, and it all really comes to life during their Dream Girls Drag Brunch. Every Saturday afternoon, brunch-goers can choose between two shows, which feature a handful of Seattle’s fiercest performers.
Local Insight: Book your tickets far in advance—these drag shows are known to sell out fast!
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Shop at Prism
After your boozy brunch, it’s time for a little tipsy shopping! Hitch a quick ride over to Seattle’s nearby Ballard neighborhood to check out one of the cutest shops in town. Prism is a haven of tiny treasures—think funky glassware, hand-poured candles, classic wardrobe staples, handcrafted jewelry, stationary items and more. Almost everything here is crafted by local artisans with love, so most anything you purchase supports a small business. Browse the shelves of this eclectic shop and take home a few treasures!
Explore the Seattle Art Museum
With art and exhibitions from around the world and across the centuries, the Seattle Art Museum is a must-visit during your 24-hour jaunt through the Emerald City. The museum sits just one block from Pike Place Market (your next stop), and tickets cost $29.99 per person if you buy them in advance. Stroll through the halls of this art oasis, which is stocked with over 25,000 masterful works. Some collections are permanent and have gained notoriety over the years while other exhibitions, such as “Remember the Rain,” “Pacific Species” and “Poke in the Eye: Art of the West Coast Counterculture” are only on display for a short time.
Local Insight: On the first Thursday of every month, admission is free to all!
Sample Seafood at Pike Place Market
A Seattle icon, Pike Place Market was founded in 1907 when the price of produce soared to ungodly heights. The nine-acre district is now one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the US. Wander through the stalls and discover an array of handcrafted goods, fresh produce, artisanal foods, locally caught seafood and more. The iconic market is also known for its famous fish-throwing fishmongers, a tradition that started in 1980 when John Yokoyama, the former owner, started hucking fish through the air.
During your stroll through this buzzy marketplace, you’ll want to stop at Old Stove Brewing Co for a cold beer with a view, Pike Place Chowder for a hearty cup of their seared scallop chowder and The Crumpet Shop for one of their housemade lemon curd and ricotta crumpets.
See a Seattle Kraken Hockey Game
Ready to get rowdy? Grab tickets to Climate Pledge Arena and gear up for an epic face off on the ice! The Seattle Kraken made their highly anticipated debut in the NHL in 2021 and have garnered quite the backing by local Seattle hockey fans. Though the 2023-2024 season is over, you can catch the Kraken in action starting this October, so plan your fall trip accordingly!
Local Insight: Even if you don’t consider yourself a hockey fan, a trip to Climate Pledge Arena is worth every penny. It’s state-of-the-art to say the least and is one of the most “progressive, responsible and sustainable arenas in the world,” according to the website.
Dinner at Six Seven Restaurant
Sultry and elevated with waterfront views that just won’t quit, Six Seven Restaurant is a must if you’re craving a decadent date night or chef-driven dinner with friends. This eatery sits on the edge of Elliott Bay and takes pride in its Pacific Northwest offerings, highlighting fresh and locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage. Reserve a window table for breathtaking views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains or cozy up in one of the circular booths for a more intimate vibe. Then, begin your dining experience with a glass of regional wine before digging into appetizers like the pan-roasted mussels and clams and burrata with smoked tomato jam. Stand-out mains here include the steaming bouillabaisse, casarecce and lamb ragout pasta, and 18-ounce ribeye with a side of lobster mac and cheese.
Aprés-Dinner Drinks at Deep Dive
When exploring a new city, nothing beats a nightcap at a swanky cocktail bar, and a late-night venture to Deep Dive offers exactly that. This cocktail lounge sits underground at the base of The Amazon Spheres, which are three conservatories that make up part of the Amazon headquarters in Seattle. Descend down the ramp into the bar’s subterranean depths. Here, you’ll find an eccentric 30-seat lounge that resembles the office of a 19th Century botanist. Belly up to the bar or settle into one of the plush velvet booths and order a round of Olympic Juleps crafted with rye, bitter orange, cacao, maple and mint.
Late-Night Soak in a Hot Tub Boat
For those not quite ready to turn in for the night, gear up for one of the coolest experiences in Seattle: a Hot Tub Boat rental! Located at 2520 Westlake Ave N (on the west side of Seattle’s Lake Union), this rental company allows you and your crew to take out a vessel and soak in the sea-nery. Each boat is handcrafted in Seattle and features simple joystick navigation and a custom heating system that keeps your water temp at a warm 104 degrees. Check the website for rules and regulations, and be sure to book your boat in advance!
